Hello & a big magical welcome to the blog! 

Today, we are absolutely thrilled to sit down with the remarkably multi-talented creator; Anna Zilli!

She is a writer, artist, and singer who pours her deep love for nature and animals into everything she touches. Our focus is her beautiful award-winning book, Felixia and the Dream of Free Animals—a poetic, deeply moving story that invites readers of all ages to see our fellow creatures through a whole new lens. 

Whether you are a lifelong animal advocate or looking for ways to introduce these vital ideas to the children in your life, you are going to love this conversation!

- Hi Anna, thanks for joining us, to kick things off, tell us a bit about yourself and what inspired you to write Felixia and the Dream of Free Animals. How did the character of Felixia first come to life in your mind?

When I became vegan in 2013, after 21 years as a vegetarian, I started asking myself if that decision would be enough to create a better world for all living beings. The answer was obviously no. So, I became an activist and then I thought that a book would be a great way to convey a message to a good number of people. Then I asked myself: “If you had super powers, what would you do? Who would you be?” And this is when Felixia appeared. 

- That’s such a cool origin story for a character, and you can really feel that activist heart behind her. The book is so poetic and brilliantly written. What was your writing process like, and how long did it take to bring this beautiful story together?

Thank you so much! I wanted it to be a fable, and I must say I have a very poetic soul. So, I tried to weave together the languages of fairy tales and poetry. I love fairy tales because anything can happen there: animals can talk, people or objects can fly; beings living on different planets can communicate. There is no limit to imagination. I love that. It took a few years on and off to write it. I must thank Felixia because she taught me how to write fiction. I had not done it before. I did not think it possible for me.

- I love that she opened up a whole new world for you like that, and you can definitely tell you have a very poetic soul when reading it. Speaking of the writing process, some writers need a perfect environment to work, while others can write anywhere; what does your ideal setup look like, if you have one?

I must say I am very lucky because I live in my ideal environment; a quiet house surrounded by green, shared with cats. It is exactly what Virginia Woolf would call “a room of one’s own”.

- That sounds like absolute heaven, and it clearly gives you the space to be completely creative. As a woman of many talents who writes, creates art, and sings, which creative outlet do you enjoy the most?

This is a very difficult question! I think that with age I’ve gradually found myself more drawn towards painting and writing. I actually need more silence and quiet time nowadays. Music is one of my ever-lasting loves, but I must say I’m enjoying the time I spend alone more and more; who knows, maybe I could take up composition one day…

- After seeing your talents across the board, I'm excited to follow your creative journey no matter where it takes you! You are clearly very inspired by Leonardo da Vinci. Who are the other artists, authors, or activists who have left the biggest imprint on your soul and inspired your path?

All the women artists of the different ages. All the artists who did and do speak up and advocate for animals, especially musicians: Prince, Brian May, Billie Eilish, Morrissey, there are so many and their number is luckily growing…I think artists have a great opportunity to convey important messages to large audiences, and it’s really a shame and a missed chance for those who don’t. 

- I couldn't agree more—popular artists have such a powerful voice for change. And that push for change really starts with how we educate the next generation. Children have an innate love for animals, yet they are rarely informed about the realities of animal exploitation. Why do you feel it is so vital to introduce animal rights to young minds, rather than just teaching general kindness?

Because when you educate children to ethical values, you are automatically educating parents, relatives, teachers and anyone who crosses those children’s paths. 

- That's so true, and your book feels like the perfect tool to start that exact ripple effect. It’s impossible to read it without seeing the world through a different lens. What do you ultimately hope this book does for the world?

I hope this book will help open people’s hearts and minds to the absolutely unnecessary suffering and abuse we inflict on animals every day. I hope it will contribute to persuading a growing number of people to stop being complicit in all of this. 

- I truly hope it does exactly that too. It really comes down to giving them a voice. On that note, let’s play a fun "what if" question: If you could suddenly gain the ability to speak fluently with just one animal species, which one would you pick and why?

Another difficult question! I think I would talk to earthworms. I would thank them from the bottom of my heart for the incredible work they do, transforming all that decaying matter into wonderfully fertile soil. They are the true magicians of this world and hardly anyone gives them the recognition they deserve! They – along with the lovely buzzing creatures we all know and many others – make life on this planet possible!

- What an amazing answer—earthworms really are the unsung heroes of the planet! So, along with your book, what other resources do you recommend for animal lovers who want to find out the truth of how animals are treated and help with their freedom?

There are so many books around but I think that images speak louder than words, so I would recommend docufilms like Earthlings, Dominion, Cowspiracy, Christspiracy, to name but a few. They tell the horrific truths the system keeps hiding us. If you have a heart, you cannot not make a decision about which side you wish to be on. 

- Those are such powerful recommendations, thank you, they really make it impossible to look away. On the practical side of making that change, for readers who love animals and want to try veganism after closing your book, how would you suggest they start out?

There are many wonderful initiatives, one of the most popular being Veganuary, the 31 day vegan challenge (Veganuary.com)

- Veganuary is definitely a fantastic starting point for anyone ready to make that shift. 

Lastly, if you had to name the single biggest reason this book belongs on everyone's reading list, what would it be?

If you wish for a peaceful and just world, it has to be for all living beings on the planet. As long as some beings are considered superior to others, there can never be peace or justice. 

That is a profoundly beautiful and unforgettable way to put it—true peace really does require justice for everyone. Thank you so very much for sharing your story, your art, and your heart with us today.

If this conversation has left you ready to face the truth of how animals are treated and see our fellow creatures through a completely new lens, click here to grab your copy of Felixia and the Dream of Free Animals on Amazon.

Anna Zilli’s evocative writing beautifully channels the visionary spirit of Leonardo da Vinci to make you want to create a kinder world too. It really is a life-changing, soul-stirring story to share with the children in your life—and one you truly don't want to miss out on!